Redick, Doncic Say Officials Let Pistons Play Through Fouls in Lakers’ 128-106 Defeat
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LOS ANGELES — Lakers head coach JJ Redick and star guard Luka Doncic blamed a permissive whistle for Los Angeles’ 128-106 home loss to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.
Redick, whose team coughed up 21 turnovers that became 30 Detroit points, said before tipoff he expected a physical approach from the Pistons. “They’re going to foul on every possession, probably three or four times,” he told reporters pregame, adding that officials would not call every infraction. After the rout, he acknowledged the frustration had set in. “When you’re turning the ball over and you feel like you’re getting fouled, there’s frustration,” he said. “But you’ve got to play through it.”
Detroit was whistled for 26 fouls while Los Angeles attempted 31 free throws. The Lakers were tagged for 24 fouls, giving the Pistons 29 attempts at the line.
Doncic, who committed a team-high eight turnovers, echoed his coach. “We’ve got to match their physicality. You saw the refs let it go,” he said.
Series of hard hits
The game included several contentious moments:
- First quarter: Lakers guard Marcus Smart took a shot to the face from Pistons forward Duncan Robinson and received a technical for arguing when officials declined to review the play for a flagrant.
- Second quarter: Detroit center Jalen Duren’s elbow to Jake LaRavia was upgraded from a common foul to a Flagrant 1 after review.
- Third quarter: Doncic drew a technical for “flailing” when his arm hit rookie Ronald Holland II in the face during a tangle.
- Fourth quarter: With the outcome decided, Smart rose from the bench and shouted at an official over what he felt were further missed calls.
Lakers stumble to close 2025
The defeat dropped Los Angeles to 20-11; all 11 losses have come by double digits, with six decided by at least 20 points.
LeBron James, celebrating his 41st birthday, finished with 17 points on 6-for-17 shooting, four assists and five turnovers. He sidestepped questions about officiating. “It’s not my lane,” he said, but noted the roster has rarely been whole. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent remain sidelined, while Jaxson Hayes just returned.
“Still no excuse,” James added. “The better team tonight won.”
Source: ESPN
